As part of an effort to get lean and mean in today's competitive market, concrete producers are relying on computer systems and intelligent devices to streamline their processes. Powerful operations management tools help create back-office efficiencies in project management, payroll, and accounting, while dispatch and batch plant controls keep deliveries and production running like clockwork. Investing in the right technology to ease your pain points can add crucial dollars to the bottom line.

Enhanced moisture sensor setup

RadarTron and MixTron microwave moisture sensors for aggregate bins and mixers have an upgraded user interface for easy setup and calibration. Sensors can be connected by a single port or multidrop cable to a USB computer adaptor. The software then searches for all sensors on the line and reports all moisture and temperature readings. Each sensor is configured and calibrated through a single-screen menu. Scale-Tron Industries Ltd. 800-632-7083. www.scaletron.com

PocketClock/GPS mobile time tracking software monitors crews, jobsites, and job activities from one device. Workers touch green to clock in and red to clock out. GPS stamps validate their location each time. Supervisors can wirelessly send records back to the office from remote locations. The software runs on iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile. ExakTime Innovations Inc. 877-411-2923. www.exaktime.com

Central dispatch software

Access Unlimited dispatch software improves efficiency and productivity in concrete and aggregate operations with Microsoft-based tools that operate over the producer's network, GPS, and mobile phones. Features include driver scheduling, order management, truck tracking tools, executive reporting and business intelligence, and sales and accounting tools. Jonel Engineering. 800-432-4567. www.jonel.com

Monitor concrete deliveries

The company's enhanced process control platform measures and manages concrete as it travels from plant to jobsite. The modular hardware system can be customized to meet producers' needs for onboard concrete mixing controls. Upcoming modules will include the ability to automatically measure concrete temperature, add dispersants to the mix, and determine high-speed slump mixing. Verifi LLC. 513-874-3222. www.verifitechnologies.com

CheckMate Job Data is designed to track labor and materials for small- and mid-sized producers. The software reports hours spent on a job by tasks, employees, and departments. Employees scan bar-coded badges for each job, and the Time and Attendance module compiles labor hours for payroll. Production managers can forecast end dates and identify bottlenecks by tracking the manufacturing process. Dynamic Systems Inc. 800-342-3999. www.a-barcode.com

The AT-1400 uses GPS technology to report location and movement for field assets like trailers, generators, and heavy-duty equipment. Fleet managers using the company's online application can view assets equipped with AT-1400 on maps alongside vehicles in their fleet. The unit is built for extreme weather conditions and includes a 30-year warranty. Networkfleet Inc. 866-227-7323. www.networkfleet.com

Dispatch optimization products COMMANDoptimize and INTE-GRAoptimize help improve service and truck use by determining the best way to schedule the day's deliveries and updating the dispatch plan according to changing conditions. Customize program settings to address specific objectives, such as cost savings, on-time delivery, or vehicle use. Command Alkon. 800-624-1872. www.commandalkon.com

Precast batch control system

The Century NX system batch plant control system is ideal for upgrading precast batch plants to manufacture standard pre-cast or SCC. Features include a touch-screen user interface, flexible recipe-based sequencing, and panel-mounted digital scale indicators for easy calibration. The system can run unattended with batch calls from the plant floor or mobile concrete delivery systems. Columbia Machine Inc. 800-628-4065. www.columbiamachine.com

Paperless project management

With PDF Revu 9 software, users can create, markup, view, process, manage, and share PDF files. Its 3-D viewing feature can rotate, spin, and zoom for easy navigation through complex models on the screen. Calculate project costs with measurement tools such as a markup list and custom columns, and convert PDF files back to their original MS Office file formats. Bluebeam Software. 866-496-2140. www.bluebeam.com

Track rebar inventory

A complete software package for fabricating and placing rebar includes field-placing, billing, cash receipts, backlog forecasting, building products, job costing, and inventory/purchasing. The program interfaces with other rebar detailing software, rebar equipment, and almost any accounting package. Soule Software. 818-303-1364. www.soulesoftware.com

Eco-efficiency analysis

The Eco-Efficiency Analysis (EEA) program examines the environmental life cycle of concrete mixes, from raw material extraction to production. A report measures the environmental impact of each concrete mix, including energy consumption, emissions, toxicity potential, risk potential, consumption of raw materials, and land use. BASF Construction Chemicals. 800-628-9990. www.basf-admixtures.com